DAY 1: JHB - DRAKENSBERG (HUT)
Leaving the DRIFTERS JOHANNESBURG INN at 09h00, we head eastward via Harrismith to our first stop overlooking the magnificent Sterkfontein Dam. After a brief discussion on the Vaal/Tugela water scheme, we continue to Retiefklip where we cover some of the more recent history of South Africa. Our camp tonight will be at the base of the mountain and we will prepare for the following days of hiking.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2 - 4: DRAKENSBERG HIKING (camping)
We begin our 3-day hike into the natural wilderness area of the Berg. Each day we cover approx. 15KM with steep gradients, and clients need to be fit, as once started there is only one way out. Sleeping at night is in caves and each participant must carry his share of the supplies. Topics covered on the hike will include mountain fauna and flora, mountain leadership, and general hiking techniques. On day 4 we return to the campsite for a welcome shower.
DAY 5: DOLPHIN COAST (HOTEL)
An early start, we head directly to the coastal town of Umdloti. We will spend a night at the DRIFTERS DOLPHIN COAST INN and will cover various aspects of coastal ecology and marine biology.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 -7: ZULULAND BUSH CAMP (camping)
Leaving the coast, we begin our journey through the hills of rural Zululand to the DRIFTERS ZULULAND CAMP. Situated in a private reserve bordering False Bay, this Inn provides the ideal base for exploring the diversity of Zululand. The two days will be spent visiting Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve, walking in False Bay National Park, visiting a Zulu village, and generally learning about the local fauna and flora.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8-9: SWAZILAND (camping)
Travelling north, we enter the Kingdom of the Swazi where we spend a full day on the Great Usutu River learning the guiding skills of kayaking and rafting. We camp for the two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (camping)
Leaving Swaziland, we enter the Kruger Park, home to some of Africa's most incredible wildlife. Our entire day will be spent viewing animals in their natural environment. Tonight we camp in one of the parks rest camps, where we may have the option of a night drive (own expense).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11: HAZYVIEW (HUT)
After an early morning game drive in the park, we exit and travel the short distance to the DRIFTERS HAZYVIEW INN. The afternoon will be spent studying birds and butterflies in the sub-tropical riverine forest surrounding the Inn.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12 - 15: BALULE GAME RESERVE (camping)
These last days of the course will be spent in the bushveld of Balule, a private game reserve bordering the Kruger Park. This is "Big 5" country, and our time here will be spent learning about spoor, trees, birds and many other aspects of nature.
We will visit the Swadini Reptile Park for an in depth course on reptiles, and will conduct lessons in firearms, 4x4 driving, and other interesting subjects necessary for field guiding. It is here also that we conduct the final exam, which will cover all of the subjects learned during the course.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 16: JOHANNESBURG
Today we head back to Johannesburg via the Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon and Pilgrims Rest. We arrive in the evening, far healthier and wiser for the experience.
Meals: Breakfast
DEPARTURES
This course departs from Johannesburg in Jan, Apr, Oct and Dec on a Monday during 2005. |
